Space Brief 24 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers South Korea's fourth spy satellite launch, potential changes in drone deployment strategies by the US Air Force, and the largest-ever spectrum-sharing demonstration set by the Pentagon.
STARLINK-42 (44256)
COSPAR: 2019-029X | Alt Name: Starlink 42
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 24, 2019
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
44256
International Designator
2019-029X
Decay Date
9/16/2020
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-42
Alternative Name
Starlink 42
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARLINK-42, also known as Starlink 42, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS and was launched on May 24, 2019, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It carries a Ku-band payload for communication purposes and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite features Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and was manufactured with a launch mass of 227 kilograms, reducing to a dry mass of 219 kilograms. Its shape consists of a box with panels, and it is designed for communication missions within the Starlink constellation.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
219
Launch Mass
227
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink V0.9-22
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku-band payload
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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